Safe Rides

The Youth Center is home to the Safe Rides program. Safe Rides began in 1991 when a group of Los Alamitos High School students approached the Youth Center and expressed concern over the safety of students as it related the use of alochol and driving. With help from the Boy Scouts of America, the Youth Center implemented a program to combat teen deaths due to alcohol-related automobile accidents.

Students at Los Alamitos High School provide a free and confidential safe ride home to any student living within the school district. There are many reasons for which a youth may be in need of a ride. A student may not be in a condition to drive safely, or may want to avoid being a passenger in such a situation. The majority of calls received fall in the latter category. The Safe Rides program encourages finding a safe ride for young people who are at risk in ways besides drinking or other substance abuse and find themselves in a no-ride situation.

The program is operated under the auspices of the Youth Center and BSA by young men and women attending Los Alamitos High School. Adult involvement in minimized to supervision, guidance and advice. The program is in operation from September to June, on Friday and Saturday nights from 10 pm to 2 am. The Safe Rides telephone number is 562-596-4747.